By Derrick Silimina

The Energy Regulation Board and the Drug Enforcement Commission – led Task Force on fuel smuggling and vending has uncovered coordinated illegal fuel activities involving the siphoning, concealment, and distribution of petroleum products in Lusaka.

In a joint statement after an enforcement operation conducted in the Industrial Area, officers discovered a concealed underground tunnel used to store approximately 4,500 litres of petroleum products contained in 40-litre containers.

“The fuel is suspected to have been siphoned from tanker trucks. The operation was subsequently extended to Kanyama, Zanimuone, and Chifwema area, resulting in additional seizures and the arrest of eight suspects for various illegal fuel offences. In total, 6,480 litres of petroleum products were seized,” said ERB Public Relations Manager Namukolo Kasumpa.

Kasumpa has reaffirmed ERB’s commitment to sustained joint operations to dismantle illegal fuel networks and safeguard the integrity of the petroleum sector.

And DEC Deputy Public Relations Officer Theresa Mawere disclosed that all suspects are in lawful custody awaiting to appear in court soon.

She said the Task Force wishes to express concern over the increasing illegal fuel activities, warning that such practices threaten public safety, undermine fair competition, deprive the Government of revenue, and pose significant fire and environmental risks.

“Members of the public and industry stakeholders are urged to comply with all petroleum regulations and to report any suspected cases of fuel smuggling, illegal vending, or other related activities to the relevant authorities,” Mawere said.